The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has stated that the recent statement by the United States President Donald Trump’s designating Nigeria as a country of particular concern is a wake up call to end killings in the country.
The chapter made up of the 19 Northern States and Abuja urged Nigerians to use US President Donald Trump’s recent statement on alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria as a call for unity and collective action.
This was contained in a statement by the Chairman of the association, Rev. John Hayab on Tuesday.
He stated that rather than viewing Trump’s comments as divisive, Nigerians should see them as an opportunity to work together to end killings and religious intolerance across the country.
ISUIKWUATO VOICE reports that Trump, in a statement on Friday, alleged that Christians in Nigeria were facing persecution. To forestall further killings, he designated Nigeria a country of particular concern.
A development that has since stirred public debate within and outside the country.
Joining in the great debate, the CAN Chairman, said the statement should serve as a wake-up call for both faith communities to demand concrete steps from the government to ensure the safety and freedom of all citizens, irrespective of religion or identity.
He said, “Trump’s statement about Christian genocide in Nigeria should be an opportunity for peace-loving Christians and Muslims to unite. And to demand concrete action by our government to stop the killing of anybody because of religion or any form of identity.”
According to him, a fair reading of Trump’s words reveals concern rather than condemnation, portraying the voice of an outsider urging Nigerians to uphold peace and unity.
Hayab said, “If you choose to read President Trump’s statement with an open mind, you will simply hear the voice of a visitor who cares about you. Who wants you to do something serious to enjoy peace and unity in your country.”